Most Japanese people do not know much about Mongolia and it’s still an unknown country to many people. Probably what they heard most about Mongolia is
Chingis Khaan
Sumo wrestlers such as Asashoryu or Hakuho
Green prairie where the herds’ pasture
Maybe that’s all. Thereby we would like to introduce Mongolia and Mongolians through our channel for the next couple of months to Japanese people. Since there is not much information about Mongolia in Japanese we would like to ease their experience or trip to Mongolia as much as we could.
About Mongolia topic number 1:
Top 5 Places to visit in Ulaanbaatar
#1 Sukhbaatar square of Ulaanbaatar
This square is located in the downtown area of the city. You might be surprised by the length of the square compared to many Japanese attractions it will be very spacious. We highly recommend you visit the square during the day as well as at night. During the night all those shiny lights of the surroundings will lighten up the whole square. In the middle of the square, you will see the statue of Sukhbaatar who was the leader of the Mongolian revolution in the 1920s from the Qing dynasty. In the northern part of the square, you will see the parliament house of Mongolia the middle of it Chingis Khaan’s seated statue.
#2 Gandan monastery
Despite the fact of you like monasteries or not this one will be definitely worth visiting. Inside the main temple, you’ll see a 26-meter-tall statue of Chenrezig Bodhisattva in Tibet Buddhism. As soon as you enter the temple you will be overwhelmed by huge statues and other Buddhist deities. The monastery was first built in 1838, the statue features 2,286 precious stones and is gilded with gold leaf.
#3 Zaisan hill
Zaisan hill is the place where you can see the whole view of Ulaanbaatar. Top of the hill there is a Soviet monument illustrating the comradeship between Mongolia and the Soviet Union during the 1990s. To go uphill either you can hike from the bottom of the hill or you can drive to the middle of it then you can walk to the top. It will be the best spot to take panoramic photos of the city both during the day and at night. Zaisan is the most luxurious part of the city where you could see lots of fancy modern buildings and department stores. Where ever you are staying in Ulaanbaatar walking to Zaisan hill would be a good way to workout and explore the city on your own.
#4 Bogd khan palace musuem
Bogd khan is last king or monarch of Bogd khanate Mongolia from 1911 to 1924. However Bogdkhan or 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu was not ethnic Mongolian but was born in Tibet royal family in 1869. In his young age he recognized as the incarnation of Bogd gegeen (the spiritual leader of gelugpa style of tibet buddhism). He arrived in Urguu or current Ulaanbaatar in 1874 when he was a 5 years old. Bogd khan museum was simply his home or palace in 19th century in Mongolia. As a young age he was very interested in animals, during his lifetime he collected dozens of animals as including pet elephant. You will definitely with good time with your childrens at this museum.
#5 Chingis Khaan equestrian statue
The Chingis Khaan equestrian statue is not really in Ulaanbaatar its 2 hours of driving to eastern part of Ulaanbaatar. This statue is one of the must see place in Mongolia it is 40 meter tall which would be the tallest equastrain statue in the world. It is not only a statue but is a whole complex which includes museum, restaurant and souvenir shops and ger camps. Travelers can go up to the horse head through the stairs or lift. Once you are in the top horse head you will a majestic view of the surrounding.
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